Books as Drinking Buddies: A book of Re-Readings By Gary Soto Published by Limberlost Press, Boise, Idaho Designed by Meggan Laxalt Mackey. Studio m Publications & Design Faux Literary Criticism You, Too, Can Be an Influencer! Gary Soto, age 74, offers a take on how geezer poets and writers can influence the world. Soto is not going to be quiet-oh, no, he has a bookshelf and books. And in his fridge, he has his drink of choice, St. Pauli Girl lager. He's ready to prop himself into his comfy armchair and read to himself, to his wife of fifty years, and to his cat. His reading material is varied and, admittedly, at times, confusing to him because some books use words with, like, four syllables. He could turn to scripture in moments of doubt, but, no, Soto turns to the DMV workbook when he receives notice that his time is up and he must pass the dreaded written exam to keep his driver's license. He re-reads the workbook in his comfy armchair. He also re-reads books by Charles Darwin, Claire Tomalin, Pablo Neruda, Oscar Hijuelos, Ian McEwan, Ted Hughes, T.S. Eliot, Susan Jacoby, Robert Frost, Marie Kondo, and the ubiquitous writer named And Others. Soto has things to say about these pencil pushers. Often drunk in these pages, he has literary opinions that might extend behind his own local zip code, 94708. Soto can be serious, but not in this book of faux literary criticism. It offers enjoyment for Boomers with time on their hands. Soto has been lauded by the literary community. Harold Bloom wrote in Newsweek, "Soto couldn't write himself out of a paper bag." Might this be true? Readers can decide for themselves. The paper shufflers at the MacArthur Foundation can contact him at any time. His landline telephone number is (510) 845-4718. For a professional response, please contact the publisher, Rick Ardinger. He's at his keyboard at this very moment.